What is Reported Speech in Grammar?

In grammar, reported speech (also called indirect speech) is used to report what someone has said without quoting their exact words. It is a way of conveying the meaning of someone's speech while modifying the sentence structure and tenses.

Reported speech plays a crucial role in daily conversations and writing. Unlike direct speech, where the speaker's exact words are quoted, reported speech paraphrases the message. It is an essential aspect of grammar, especially in the study of English.

Key Elements of Reported Speech in Grammar

• Verb Tense Changes: One of the primary characteristics of reported speech is the backshifting of verb tenses. For example, “I am going” becomes “He said he was going.”
• Pronoun Changes: Pronouns change according to the subject and object of the reporting sentence.
• Removal of Quotation Marks: In reported speech, we don’t use quotation marks around the speaker’s words.
• Use of Reporting Verbs: Reporting verbs like “said,” “told,” “asked,” and others are used to introduce the reported speech.

If you are preparing for exams like CBSE Class 10, referring to a CBSE Reported Speech Class 10 Worksheet with Answers will be an excellent way to practice and solidify your understanding of reported speech in grammar.